Kohima, 14 September (MTNews): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio addressed the Nagaland Legislative Assembly today, offering insights into crucial infrastructure and road connectivity developments in the state.
Regarding a query posed by MLA Nuklutoshi concerning the status of NH-2 from Nagaland Gandhi Ashram, Chuchuyimlang, to Pangsha, Chief Minister Rio stressed the vital role of roads as the primary means of connectivity in Nagaland.
He informed the assembly that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had granted tentative approval for consultancy services for the preparation of a Feasibility Study and Detailed Project Report on 31 July 2017. Subsequently, a tender-based estimate was submitted to MoRTH on 24 April 2018, awaiting approval. Despite repeated requests for instructions from MoRTH, the State Government is yet to receive a response. When asked about the allocation of funds for the road, Rio clarified that no amount had been sanctioned as the authority to do so rests with MoRTH and not the State Government.
In response to MLA Nukultoshi’s inquiry about the current status of the road from Amguri NH-2 Tuli to Niuland via Longchem-Champang-Governor’s Camp under SARDP-NE Phase-B, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reported that the final Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to Rs 3,284.06 Cr was submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on 12 June 2019.
In response to MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu’s query about the status of the NHIDCL project package 4, involving the construction of a two-lane road from Kohima to a bypass under NH-229, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio provided an update. He stated that the project is currently in progress, with a physical progress rate of 23.14% and a financial progress rate of 19.92%. Regarding safety measures, Rio mentioned that the EPC contractor is actively working to prevent landslides and rockfalls along the Dimapur-Kohima 4 Lane road package 1. Regrettably, two casualties have been reported due to landslides and rockfalls along the Dimapur-Kohima road.
Meanwhile, Tongpang Ozukum, Advisor of Water Resources, appealed to the concerned Minister and department to address the condition of National Highway 701-705 in Wokha District, with specific attention to sections 105-125 from Doyang Bridge to Mokokchung District. He also urged that appropriate maintenance measures be undertaken for these roads.